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France suspend training and entire squad in isolation after another positive in camp
By PA
France have suspended training ahead of Sunday’s Guinness Six Nations game against Scotland following another positive Covid-19 test among the playing squad.
Tournament chiefs gave a green light on Wednesday to the match in Paris going ahead as planned.
The Stade de France showdown had been thrown into major doubt following a Covid-19 outbreak among Les Bleus players and management.
The go-ahead followed a fresh round of negative results, but latest developments will inevitably put the fixture in jeopardy again.
In a statement, the French Rugby Federation said: “Following the RT-PCR tests carried out this Wednesday, February 24 in the evening, and the appearance of a positive case within the squad of players, the FFR medical committee met this morning and decided to suspend training this day.
“The entire group is in isolation in accordance with health protocol.
“The FFR is in close contact with the Six Nations committee.”
France’s coronavirus outbreak forced 10 of their top stars into quarantine, including scrum-half and 2020 player of the championship Antoine Dupont and captain Charles Ollivon.
Les Bleus stand top the Six Nations table after two rounds following a comprehensive win against Italy and a narrow victory over Ireland, both away from home.
This weekend’s encounter was placed under threat when flanker Ollivon, prop Cyril Baille, hooker Peato Mauvaka, lock Romain Taofifenua and full-back Brice Dulin became the latest members of Fabien Galthie‘s squad to test positive.
Nine of the 23-man squad that sent Ireland spinning to a 15-13 defeat 11 days ago were since found to have contracted the virus.
In addition to positive tests produced by players, head coach Galthie is among members of France’s management team in self-isolation.
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I wonder how Leinster will use Jordie. I would rate the current centres there above him, and the rest of the backline is strong. Pity he did not go out to Connacht, or up to Ulster....both would really benefit from a player of his class.
Go to commentsI am saddened that this is how Brendan Mullin has ended up. I met him in the 70's as a 16 year old , when attending a trial for an Irish Schools age group sevens team. I was coaching in Ulster at the time, and we had a player in contention.
On the way back up to Belfast, he was on the train for part of the way out of Dublin, and I got to know him a bit. He told me was born in Jerusalem, lived some years there. He was now being educated at the rugby powerhouse, Blackrock College. He made that team, as did my player. His immense talent was clear at that age.
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